According to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, an agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person 

is not required to respond to a collection of information unless it displays a valid OMB control number. 

The valid OMB control number for this information collection is 0579-0488. The time required to complete 

this information collection is estimated to average 1.5 hours per response, including the time to review 

instructions, search existing data resources, gather the data needed, and complete and review the 

information collected. 

OMB Approved 

0579-0488 

EXP: 09/30/2026 

UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE 

ANIMAL AND PLANT HEALTH INSPECTION SERVICE 

VETERINARY SERVICES 

NATIONAL ANIMAL HEALTH MONITORING SYSTEM 

2150 CENTRE AVE, BLDG B 

FORT COLLINS, CO 80526 

NAHMS SHEEP 2024 STUDY— 

VS INITIAL VISIT QUESTIONNAIRE 

The information you provide will be used for statistical purposes only. Your responses will be kept confidential 

and any person who willfully discloses ANY identifiable information about you or your operation is subject to a 

jail term, a fine, or both. This survey is conducted in accordance with the Confidential Information Protection 

and Statistical Efficiency Act of 2018, Title III of Pub. L. No. 115-435, codified in 44 U.S.C. Ch. 35 and other 

applicable Federal laws. For more information on how we protect your information please visit: 

https://www.nass.usda.gov/confidentiality. Response is voluntary. 

To access the survey electronically, use the QR code or link: https://usdaanimalhealth.gov1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_2mjfJiOmaGpUNGS 

Please enter the 4-digit NAHMS Study ID: __ __ __ __ 

I1. Are you a federal or state data collector? 

 Yes [If yes, skip to I3.] 

 No [If no, go to I2.] 

I2. Do you (the respondent) agree to participate in the study? 

 I agree [If you agree, go to Section A- Inventory] 

 I do not agree [If you do not agree, go to Office Use Section] 

I3. Which of the following would you like to do? 

 Complete the full questionnaire [Continue to Section A- Inventory] 

 Complete the Office Use Only Section [Go to Office Use Section] 

Section A – Inventory 

1. On your operation today, how many ewes do you have that are 1 year of age or older? If none enter 0. 

1+ years: ..................................................................................................... ________________ ewes 

ewes 

How many of these ewes are between 1 and 2 years of age?................... ________________ ewes 

2. During 2023, what was the maximum number of the following types of sheep present on the 

operation throughout the year? Sheep may be counted in more than one category. For example a lamb may 

be counted in both the preweaned and weaned lambs categories. If none enter 0. 

a. Ewes 1 year and older ................................................................................ ______________ # 

b. Rams 1 year and older................................................................................ ______________ # 

c. Preweaned lambs ....................................................................................... _____________ # 

d. Weaned lambs ............................................................................................ ______________ # 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

e. Wethers (castrated ram) 1 year and older ................................................. ______________ # 

Section B – Breeding Management 

3. For the most recently completed lambing season, of the Q2a ewes on the operation, how many 

were bred by the following methods? The most recently completed lambing season refers to the most 

recent lambing for which all lambs have been born. 

For ewes bred by more than one method, give method used first. If none enter 0. 

a. Naturally by this operation's rams............................................................... ______________ # 

b. Naturally by another operation's rams ........................................................ ______________ # 

c. By artificial insemination (AI)....................................................................... ______________ # 

d. By embryo transfer...................................................................................... ______________ # 

e. Added to the operation already bred .......................................................... ______________ # 

f. Confirm the total number of ewes bred (Add Questions 1a through 1e) .... ______________ # 

[If question 3f=0/none, skip to Section C (question 24).] 

[If question 3e = 0/none, skip to question 5.] 

4. Were the Q3e ewes added to the operation already bred kept separate from the rest of the flock until 

after they lambed? ............................................................................................  Yes  No 

5. Of the Q3f total bred ewes, how many were first-lambing ewes?.......................... _________ # 

[If question 5=0, skip to question 7.] 

6. Were the majority of these first-lambing ewes separated from the rest of the flock until after they 

lambed?  Yes  No  Don’t know 

7. Of these Q3f total ewes bred, how many had the following outcomes? If none enter 0. 

a. Gave birth (lamb born dead or alive) .......................................................... ______________ # 

b. Aborted (known abortion)............................................................................ ______________ # 

c. Never became pregnant (or unknown abortion) ......................................... ______________ # 

d. Died or were removed prior to lambing....................................................... ______________ # 

e. Total [Should equal 3f] ................................................................................ _____________ # 

[If question 7a=0, skip to question 9.] 

8. Of the Q7a ewes that gave birth, how many had multiples (twins or triplets)? .. ______________ # 

[If question 7b=0, skip to question 13.] 

9. Of the Q7b ewes that aborted, how many were first-lambing ewes? ............... ______________ # 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

10. Were any of the following steps taken for aborting ewes? Check all that apply. 

 a. Removed placentas or fetuses as soon as possible 

 b. Cleaned the area by removing bedding and/or dirt 

 c. Disinfected the area 

 d. Physically separated ewes that aborted from other ewes 

 e. None of these actions were taken 

[If question 10d= not checked, skip to question 12.] 

11. For the ewes that aborted and were separated from the flock, how many days were the majority of 

ewes separated before being returned to the flock? 

 Number of days separated before returning................................................ ___________ # days 

 Not returned to flock for rest of lambing season 

 Never returned to flock 

12.Were any of Q7b abortions suspected or confirmed by a vet or lab to be from any of the following 

causes? 

Abortion Cause Not 

suspected 

Suspected, but not 

confirmed by a vet or lab 

Confirmed by 

a vet or lab 

a. Campylobacteriosis (vibrio abortion)   

b. Chlamydiosis (enzootic abortion)   

c. Toxoplasmosis   

d. Q fever (coxiellosis)   

e. Salmonellosis   

f. Listeriosis   

g. Cache Valley virus   

h. Other infectious disease 

(specify:__________________________) 

  

i. Other non-disease related causes 

(specify:__________________________) 

  

j. Unknown cause   
 

 

 

 

a. Fresh semen .

 

 

 

....................................................................  Yes  No  on’t know 

b. Frozen seme .

D

 n ..................................................................  Yes  No  Don’t know 

c. Semen from rams belonging to your operation.................  Yes  No  Don’t know 

d. Semen from rams belonging to other operations..............  Yes  No  Don’t know 

13. During 2023, were any of the following reproductive practices used on this operation? Check all that apply. 

 a. Flushing (ewes fed extra energy ration prior to breeding season) 

 b. Crutching (pre-lambing shearing) 

 c. Teaser ram (not for estrus synchronization) 

 d. Breeding mark such as a harness, or paste/chalk 

 e. Ultrasound (pregnancy diagnosis, fetal counting) 

 f. Pregnancy diagnosis by blood test 

 g. Breeding soundness exam (rams) 

 h. Udder palpation or bagging 

 i. Embryo transfer 

 j. Artificial insemination 

 k. Hormones for estrus synchronization (including CIDRs) 

 l. Other estrus synchronization methods, (specify: ______________________________) 

 m. None of these reproductive practices were used 

[If question 13k and 13l = not checked (no estrus synchronization), skip to question 15.] 

14. Did this operation synchronize estrus in its ewes for any of the following reasons? Check all that apply. 

 a. More uniformly sized or aged lamb crop  f. Artificial insemination (AI) 

 b. Condensed lambing to optimize labor  g. Embryo transfer (ET) 

 c. More efficient use of facilities  h. More efficient use of a veterinarian 

 d. Market timing  i. Other (specify: __________________) 

 e. More efficient use of rams 

[If Question 13j = not checked (no artificial insemination), skip to question 16.] 

15. During 2023, when artificially inseminating breeding ewes, did you use the following types of semen? 

16. During 2023, did this operation have a defined breeding season(s) for its ewes, such as rams are 

kept with a group of ewes for no longer than 4 months? ...............................  Yes  No 

[If question 16 = No, skip to question 19.] 
 

 ______________ 

 

 

 

 

 

 _________ 

 

 

 

 

 

 Yes  No 

 _______ 

_________ _______ 

_________ _______ 

17. In general, how frequently does this operation breed the majority of ewes to lamb? Select one. 

 Less frequently than once a year  Two or more defined breeding seasons per year 

 Once a year  Three defined breeding seasons per 2 years 

[If question 17= ‘Less frequently than once a year’ or ‘Once a year’, skip to question 19]. 

18. During 2023, how many ewes did you breed more frequently than once a year? # 

19. Were any ewes bred from February to July 2023 (out-of-season breeding)?...  Yes  No 

[If question 19=No, skip to question 21.] 

20. Which of the following methods did you use for out-of-season breeding? Check all that apply. 

 a. Genetic selection for ability to breed out of season 

 b. Placing ram with ewes 

 c. Regulating light 

 d. CIDRs (Controlled Intravaginal Drug Release) 

 e. Other hormone treatments (specify: ___________________________) 

 f. Other (specify: _______________________________ ) 

 g. No specific methods were used 

21. During 2023, how many breeding replacement ewe and ram lambs were: 

If none enter 0. Ewes Rams 

a. Born and raised on this operation? ............................................. # 

b. Acquired elsewhere?................................................................... # 

c. Total? ....................................................................................... # 

[If question 21c Ewes = 0 (no replacement ewes) skip to question 23.] 

22. At what age does your operation generally breed replacement ewes? Select one. 

 a. Under 8 months  c. 11-17 months 

 b. 8-10 months  d. 18 months or older 

23. During 2023, did sheep on this operation have contact with sheep visiting from another operation for 

breeding? .......................................................................................................
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Section C – Lambing Management 

24. For the most recently completed lambing season, you reported Q7a ewes lambed with full-term 

births (alive or dead). Confirm this number. ............................................................. ________# 

[If question 24=0, no ewes that lambed, skip to Section D.] 

25. For those Q7a ewes that gave birth during the most recently completed lambing season how many 

lambs were born alive or born dead (stillborn)? If none enter 0. 

a. Born alive .................................................................................................... ______________ # 

b. Born dead (stillborn).................................................................................... ______________ # 

c. Total ....................................................................................................... ______________ # 

26. Of the Q7a ewes that gave birth (alive or dead) during the most recently completed lambing season 

how many lambed in the following types of environments? If none enter 0. 

a. Individual lambing pen/jugs................................................................................ _________ # 

b. Barn or shed (covered but without individual pens)........................................... _________ # 

c. Special lambing pasture that allows increased observation and/or shelter....... _________ # 

d. Other fenced pasture ......................................................................................... _________ # 

e. Open range ........................................................................................................ _________ # 

f. Dry lot (pen which does not allow grazing) ........................................................ _________ # 

g. Other (specify: ___________________________________)...................................... _________ # 

h. Confirm total is equal to number of ewes that gave birth, reported in 7a........... _________ # 

27. During 2023, what percentage of births had someone present to help if needed? _______ % 

28. During 2023, did you use video monitoring of lambing areas? 

 Yes 

 No: How frequently (in hours) were lambing areas checked for newborns? ______hours 

29. During 2023, did this operation use a separate area, specifically for lambing?  Yes  No 

[If question 29= No, skip to question 34.] 

30. On average, how many hours or days were ewes in the separate lambing area/pen? 

Answer to nearest quarter hour if less than 1 hour. 

a. Prior to lambing: Enter 0 if moved during or immediately after lambing. _____ hours OR _____ days 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

b. After lambing: Enter 0 if removed immediately after lambing. _____ hours OR _____ days 

31. During the most recent lambing period, how frequently were the lambing areas and/or jugs cleaned? 

Note: Cleaning is defined as removing all bedding and fecal material and replacing with clean bedding material. 

(Skip if not used) 

Lambing area 

(Skip if not used) 

Jugs/individual pens for ewe-lamb pairs 

 Never cleaned  Never cleaned 

 Cleaned once at the end of the lambing season  Cleaned once at the end of the lambing season 

 Cleaned multiple times throughout the lambing 

season 

 Cleaned multiple times throughout the lambing 

season 

 Cleaned after each lambing  Cleaned after each lambing 

 Other (specify: _______________ )  Other (specify: _________________) 

32. During the most recent lambing period, how frequently were the lambing areas and jugs disinfected? 

Note: A chemical disinfectant includes: 1:10 bleach dilution, phenolic product (1 Stroke Environ® or SynPhenol3®), an accelerated hydrogen peroxide product (Intervention®), or lime. 

(Skip if not used) 

Lambing area 

(Skip if not used) 

Jugs/individual pens for ewe-lamb pairs 

 Never disinfected  Never disinfected 

 Disinfected once at the end of the lambing 

season 

 Disinfected once at the end of the lambing 

season 

 Disinfected multiple times throughout the 

lambing season 

 Disinfected multiple times throughout the lambing 

season 

 Disinfected after each lambing  Disinfected after each lambing 

 Other (specify: ______________________)  Other (specify: ________________________) 

33. During 2023, did you use the lambing area for sick ewes at the following times? Check all that apply. 

 During lambing  At other times of the year  Lambing area not used for sick ewes 

34. During 2023, were placentas (afterbirths) usually removed from the area where the ewes lambed? 

 Yes  No 

[If question 34 = No, skip to question 37.] 

35. What was the average length of time (in hours) placentas were left on the ground before removal? 

________hours OR 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Continuous monitoring and removed immediately 

36. During 2023, which of the following best describes how placentas were usually disposed? Select one. 

 Buried  Composted  Threw out for carnivores 

 Burned/incinerated  Disposed of in landfill/dump  Other (specify: _______________) 

37. How many of the Q7a lambing ewes had clinical mastitis (abnormal milk or swollen udder)?______# 

OR  Don’t know 

38. Was the lambing rate of this last completed lamb crop higher, about the same, or lower than your 

normal or average lambing rate? 

 Higher 

 About the same 

 Lower 

 No lambing rate considered 

[If question 38 = ‘Higher’, ‘About the same’, or ‘No lambing rate considered’ skip to Section D.] 

39. Which of the following best describes the main reason your last lambing rate was lower than 

expected? Select one. 

 Open ewes (bred but did not take/early abortion) 

 Known abortions 

 Lamb deaths (include stillborn lambs) 

 Reduced twinning/triplets 

 Ram fertility 

 Other (specify:_____________________) 

 Don’t know 

Section D – Lamb Crop Management 

40. During 2023, how many lambs were born alive and born dead (stillborn)? If none enter 0. 

a. Born alive .................................................................................................... 

b. Born dead (stillborn).................................................................................... 

c. Total ....................................................................................................... 

______________ # 

______________ # 

______________ # 

 Check here if number born dead (stillborn) is unknown, but still fill in number born alive. 

If question 40c=0 (no lambs born during 2023) skip to Section E.] 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

41. During 2023, of the Q40a lambs born alive, how many were or are expected to be weaned? _____ # 

42. During 2023, of the Q40a lambs born alive, how many were or are expected to be docked? _____ # 

43. Of the Q40c total lambs born in 2023, how many were born during the following months? 

If none enter 0. 

a. January................................................................................................................................................. ______________ # 

b. February...................................................................................................... ______________ # 

c. March ....................................................................................................... ______________ # 

d. April ....................................................................................................... ______________ # 

e. May ....................................................................................................... ______________ # 

f. June ....................................................................................................... ______________ # 

g. July ....................................................................................................... ______________ # 

h. August ....................................................................................................... ______________ # 

i. September................................................................................................... ______________ # 

j. October ....................................................................................................... ______________ # 

k. November.................................................................................................... ______________ # 

l. December.................................................................................................... ______________ # 

m. Total-Confirm it is equal to 40c (total lambs born) ............................................. ______________ # 

44. During 2023, how often were navels dipped on newborn lambs with a chlorhexidine or iodine 

solution? Select one. 

 Always 

 Sometimes 

 Never 

45. During 2023, how many of the Q40a newborn lambs received colostrum by the following methods? 

If none enter 0. 

a. Hand feeding only; lambs were separated from the mothers immediately after 

birth and hand fed by a teat feeder/bottle/tube feeder, etc................................ _______head 

b. Both nursed the ewe and hand feeding ............................................................. _______head 

c. Nursed the ewe only .......................................................................................... _______head 

d. Total-Should equal 40a......................................................................................... _______head 

[If question 45a=0 and 45b=0 (no hand feeding of colostrum) skip to question 50.] 

46. How many hours following birth were handfed newborn lambs typically given their first colostrum? 

If <1 hour, enter closest quarter hour. _______hours OR  Fed immediately OR  Nursed ewe first 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

47. How many ounces of colostrum was normally given to newborn lambs at the first feeding? 

_________________oz OR Nursed ewe first 

48. During 2023, were any of the following colostrum sources used? Check all that apply. 

 a. Individual sheep colostrum from this operation 

 b. Pooled (mixed from multiple ewes) colostrum from this operation 

 c. Liquid sheep colostrum from outside source (individual or pooled) 

 d. Cow colostrum: Was it from a herd tested for Johne’s disease?  Yes  No  Don’t know 

 e. Goat colostrum: Was it from a herd tested for Johne’s disease?  Yes  No  Don’t know 

 f. Commercial colostrum replacer 

 g. Commercial colostrum supplements 

 h. Other (specify: _______________________________ ) 

[If question 48a-e=not checked (no livestock sourced used), skip to question 50.] 

49. Were livestock colostrum sources usually heat treated/pasteurized prior to feeding?  Yes  No 

50. For livestock sources, what was the primary method used to store colostrum? Select one. 

 Do not store colostrum  Stored without refrigeration 

 Stored in a freezer  Other (specify: ____________________) 

 Stored in a refrigerator 

51. During 2023, how many of the Q40a newborn lambs received milk or milk replacer from the 

following sources? 

a. Milk or milk replacer from other sources only (not nursing the ewe) ................. 

b. Nursed the ewe and were given milk or milk replacer from other sources ........ 

c. Nursed ewe only ............................................................................................... 

d. Total-Should equal 40a......................................................................................... 

[If question 51a=0 and 51b=0 (no liquid diet from other sources), skip to question 58.] 

_______head 

_______head 

_______head 

_______head 

52. During 2023, were any of the following sources of milk or milk replacer used? Check all that apply. 

 a. Individual sheep milk from this operation 

 b. Pooled (mixed from multiple ewes) sheep milk from this operation 

 c. Liquid sheep milk from outside source (individual or pooled) 

 d. Cow milk: Was it from a herd tested for Johne’s disease?  Yes  No  Don’t know 

 e. Goat milk: Was it from a herd tested for Johne’s disease?  Yes  No  Don’t know 

 f. Commercial milk replacer 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 g. Other (specify: _______________________________ ) 

[If question 52a-e =not checked (no livestock sources used), skip to question 54.] 

53. Was the supplemented fresh milk from livestock sources pasteurized?...........  Yes  No 

[If question 52f=not checked (no commercial milk replacer used),skip to question 55.] 

54. For the commercial milk replacer used, were any of the listed medications in the milk replacer? 

Check all that apply. 

 Deccox® (decoquinate) 

 NT, Neo-Terramycin®, Neo-Oxy (neomycin and oxytetracycline) 

 Bovatec® (lasalocid) 

 Other (specify: ______________________) 

 No medications were in the milk replacer 

 Unknown if there were medications in the milk replacer 

55. What was the primary equipment used to feed lambs that were hand fed? Select one. 

 Bottle  In-line milk feeding system (milk machine, LacTec, Forster) 

 Bucket  Other (specify:________________________ )

 Trough or mob feeder (milk bar) 

56. During 2023, how frequently was milk feeding equipment cleaned? Select one. 

Note: cleaning means it is rinsed with water and soap. 

 Never cleaned  Once a day 

 After the lambs were weaned and moved  After each feeding 

 Less than once a day  Other (specify: _________________) 

57. During 2023, how frequently was milk feeding equipment disinfected? Select one. 

Note: A chemical disinfectant includes: 1:10 bleach dilution, phenolic product (1 Stroke Environ® or SynPhenol3®) or an accelerated hydrogen peroxide product (Intervention®). 

 Never disinfected  Once a day 

 After the lambs were weaned and moved  After each feeding 

 Less than once a day  Other (specify: _________________) 

58. During 2023, what was the average age (in days) of the majority of lambs when they first had access 

to creep feed? ___________days OR  No creep feed provided 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[If question 42 = 0 (no lambs docked), skip to question 63.] 

59. For lambs that were docked, which number in the picture best describes the 

length of the majority of lambs’ tails after docking? Select one. 

 1. Shorter than the caudal fold 

 2. At the caudal fold 

 3. Longer than the caudal fold 

60. What was the average age (in days) when lambs’ tails were docked? 

days 

61. What was the primary method of tail docking? Select one. 

 Rubber band (elastrator band)  Scalpel/knife 

 Hot docking iron  Other (specify: ___________________ )

 Clamp/burdizzo (crush and cut) 

62.Were analgesics or anesthetics routinely used and who completed the majority of the tail dockings? 

Select one. 

 Yes, and the majority were done by a veterinarian 

 Yes, and the majority were done by operation personnel 

 No, and the majority were done by a veterinarian 

 No, and the majority were done by operation personnel 

 Unknown use of analgesics and the majority were done by a veterinarian 

 Unknown use of analgesics and the majority were done by operation personnel 

63. During 2023, how many ram lambs were or will be castrated? ________head OR 

 All rams castrated 

 N/A – no rams born 

[If question 63 = 0 castrated or N/A- no rams born, skip to question 67.] 

64. What was the average age (in days) at which these ram lambs were castrated? ... ___________ days 

65. Which of the following best describes the primary method of castration used on this operation? 

Select one. 

 Rubber band (elastrator band)  Remove testicles with a blade 

 Clamp/burdizzo/emasculator (crush cords)  Other (specify: _____________________) 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

66. Were analgesics or anesthetics routinely used and who completed the majority of the castrations? 

Select one. 

 Yes, and the majority were done by a veterinarian 

 Yes, and the majority were done by operation personnel 

 No, and the majority were done by a veterinarian 

 No, and the majority were done by operation personnel 

 Unknown use of analgesics and the majority were done by a veterinarian 

 Unknown use of analgesics and the majority were done by operation personnel 

67. During 2023, when lambs were weaned, what was their average age and weight? 

a. Average age (in months)....................................................................................__________months 

b. Average weight (in pounds) ...............................................................................__________ pounds 

68. Of the Q41 weaned lambs, how many were sold? If none enter 0. 

Include lambs weaned at the time of removal from the operation. .................................... ______ head 

[If question 68 = 0, skip to question 70.] 

69. What was the average age and weight of these lambs when sold? 

a. Average age (in months) ...................................................................................__________months 

b. Average weight (in pounds) ..............................................................................__________ pounds 

70. During 2023, did this operation have any lambs sold or moved directly to a feedlot?  Yes  No 

[If question 70 = No, skip to Section E (question 72).] 

71. For the majority of lambs sold or moved to a feedlot, which best describes this operation’s ownership? 

Select one. 

 Retained complete ownership 

 Retained partial ownership 

 Retained no ownership 

Section E – Culling Management 

72. During 2023, how many cull breeding ewes and rams were permanently removed from this 

operation? If none enter 0. 

a. Culled ewes ................................................................................................ _______head 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

b. Culled rams ................................................................................................. _______head 

[If question 72a and 72b=0, skip to Section F (question 77).] 

[If question 72a =0, skip to question 75.] 

73. How many of the Q72a culled breeding ewes were removed due to the following primary issues? 

Include each animal only once. If none enter 0. Ewes 

a. Old age/teeth problems...................................................................................... _______head 

b. Low milk production ........................................................................................... _______head 

c. Less desirable genetics (conformational faults, small young, new genetics, 

wool or growth rates, parasite resistance, etc.) ................................................. _______head 

d. Single lamb births............................................................................................... _______head 

e. Poor mothering................................................................................................... _______head 

f. Failure to lamb (open or aborted) or other reproductive problems .................... _______head 

g. High somatic cell count ...................................................................................... _______head 

h. Economic issues (for example, drought, flock reduction, market conditions).... _______head 

i. Illness .............................................................................................................. _______head 

i. Mastitis (including hard bag syndrome)....................................................... _______head 

ii. Thin or unthrifty............................................................................................ _______head 

iii. Neurological signs (loss of coordination, staggering, swaying, falling down, 

high stepping of forelegs, or stiff rear legs, lip smacking, or similar)........... _______head 

iv. Internal parasites, high fecal egg count, or based on FAMACHA score..... _______head 

v. Respiratory problems (pneumonia, coughing, runny nose, etc.) ................ _______head 

vi. Pregnancy Toxemia..................................................................................... _______head 

vii. Other illness (specify: _____________________ )................................................ _______head 

j. Other (specify: ______________________________ ) .............................................. _______head 

74. What was the average age in years of these culled ewes? ..................................... ______ Years 

[If question 72b = 0 skip to Section F (question 77).] 

75. How many of the Q72b culled breeding rams were removed due to the following primary issues? 

Include each animal only once. If none enter 0. Rams 

a. Old age/teeth problems...................................................................................... _______head 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

b. Low productivity ................................................................................................. _______head 

c. Less desirable genetics (conformational faults, small young, new genetics, 

wool or growth rates, parasite resistance, etc.) ................................................. _______head 

d. Buck breeding performance............................................................................... _______head 

e. Economic issues (for example, drought, herd reduction, market conditions).... _______head 

f. Poor disposition (mean, bad behavior, etc.) ...................................................... _______head 

g. Illness .............................................................................................................. _______head 

i. Thin or unthrifty............................................................................................ _______head 

ii. Neurological signs (loss of coordination, staggering, swaying, falling down, 

high stepping of forelegs, or stiff rear legs, lip smacking, or similar)........... _______head 

iii. Internal parasites, high fecal egg count, or based on FAMACHA score..... _______head 

iv. Respiratory problems (pneumonia, coughing, runny nose, etc.) ................ _______head 

v. Other illness (specify: _______________________)............................................... _______head 

h. Other (specify: _______________________________)................................................. _______head 

76. What was the average age in years of these culled rams? .................................................... ___________ Years 

Section F – Biosecurity 

77. During 2023, did any paid or unpaid workers have sheep or other livestock at their home off this 

operation? ................................................................................  Yes  No  Don’t know 

78. During 2023, were any of the following domestic animals on this operation at any time? 

Check all that apply. 

 a. Goats  h. Captive deer, elk, or other exotic hoof stock 

 b. Cattle  i. Dogs 

 c. Horses, donkeys  j. Outdoor or indoor/outdoor domestic cats 

 d. Llamas, alpacas  k. Feral or stray cats 

 e. Pigs  l. Litters of kittens 

 f. Poultry (chickens, turkeys, etc.)  m. None of the listed animals were present 

 g. Bison 

[If question 78i = not checked (no dogs) skip to question 82.] 

79. Are dogs on the operation dewormed at least annually?...................................  Yes  No 

80. Do the dogs eat sheep carcasses?....................................................................  Yes  No 

81. Are the dogs vaccinated against rabies?...........................................................  Yes  No 

[If question 78j, k, l = not checked (not cats) skip to question 83.] 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

82. Were the contents of a cat litter box discarded into sheep-raising areas? .......... Yes  No 

83. During 2023, were any of the following domestic animals on adjacent operations where fence-line 

contact was possible? Check all that apply. 

 Sheep  Poultry (chickens, turkeys, or similar) 

 Goats  Bison 

 Cattle  Captive deer, elk, or other exotic hoof stock 

 Horses, donkeys  Dogs 

 Llamas, alpacas  None of the listed animals were on adjacent operations 

 Pigs 

84. During 2023, were any of the following wild animals and/or signs of wild animals (scat, tracks, or 

similar) observed on this operation or in adjacent areas? Check all that apply. 

On this 

operation? 

On adjacent

property? 

a. Wild goats  

b. Bighorn sheep  

c. Feral swine or wild boars  

d. Deer, elk, or other hoof stock  

e. Raccoons, skunks, or opossums  

f. Predators (for example, coyotes, bears, wolves)  

g. Wild or exotic cats (for example bobcats, mountain lions)  

h. None of the listed animals were observed  

85. During 2023, were any of the following methods used on this operation specifically to control rats and 

mice? Check all that apply. 

 Traps, baits, and/or poison  Other (specify: _______________________) 

 Professional exterminator  No rodent control methods were used 

 Dogs or cats 

86. During 2023, which best describes how you isolated sick sheep from the rest of the flock? Select one. 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Never isolated sick sheep 

 Occasionally isolated sick sheep depending on the illness or the severity of the illness 

 Always isolated sick sheep 

 No sick sheep during 2023 

[If question 86 = ‘Never isolated’ or ‘No sick sheep during 2023’, skip to question 90.] 

87. Were these sick sheep usually isolated in any of the following areas? Select one. 

 In a pen specifically for sick animals but located in the same housing area as other sheep 

 In a separate covered structure 

 In a separate fenced area outside 

 In another isolated area (specify: ____________________________________) 

88. For isolated sick animals during 2023, which of the following best describes how frequently the area 

was cleaned? Select one. 

Note: cleaning means at least all bedding material removed 

 Never cleaned  Monthly 

 Cleaned after each sick animal left  Cleaned, but had no set time period 

 Weekly  Other (specify___________________ )

89. For isolated sick animals during 2023, which of the following best describes how frequently the area 

was disinfected? Select one. 

Note: A chemical disinfectant includes: 1:10 bleach dilution, phenolic product (1 Stroke Environ® or SynPhenol3®) or an accelerated hydrogen peroxide product (Intervention®) or lime. 

 Never  Monthly 

 Disinfected after each sick animal left  Disinfected, but had no set time period 

 Weekly  Other (specify__________________) 

90. During 2023, were any sheep given any injections, such as for vaccines, to give antibiotics, etc.? 

 Yes  No 

[If question 90 = No, skip to question 96.] 

91. For each sheep injected, was a new needle used? ..........................................  Yes  No 

[If question 91 = Yes, skip to question 93.] 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

92. Were the needles chemically disinfected with a solution, such as Betadine, Nolvasan, or bleach 

between sheep? ................................................................................................  Yes  No 

93. Of all injections administered to sheep, what percentage were administered by the following 

individuals? If none enter 0. Total must equal 100%. 

a. Farm personnel .................................................................................................. _________ % 

b. Veterinarian........................................................................................................ _________ % 

c. Other (specify: ________________________________ )............................... _________ % 

94. Of all injections administered to sheep, what percentage were given by the following routes? 

If none enter 0. Total must equal 100%. 

a. Subcutaneous (SQ)............................................................................................ _________ % 

b. Intramuscular (IM).............................................................................................. _________ % 

c. Intravenous (IV).................................................................................................. _________ % 

[If question 94b = 0 (no intramuscular injections), skip to question 96.] 

95. Of the intramuscular injections given to sheep, which number in the picture best describes the primary 

location injected? Select one. 

 (1) Neck 

 (2) Loin 

 (3) Leg 

 Other location (specify: ___________________) 

96. Which of the following categories best describes your knowledge of the Sheep Safety and Quality 

Assurance (SSQA) program? Select one. 

 Had not heard of the SSQA program before this study 

 Have heard about the SSQA program, but not certified/educated 

 Certified/educated (at any level) through the SSQA program 

97. During 2023, did sheep have access to any surface water (for example, ponds, irrigation ditches, 

streams, creeks, or similar)?  Yes  No 

98. During 2023, which of the following best describes the primary housing structures used for the 

majority of ewes for each of the listed timeframes? Check one only for each row. 

Structure with 

four walls and 

Structure with 

four walls and 

Structure with 

roof and three 

No 

structure 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

roof with door 

closed most of 

the time 

roof with door 

open most of 

the time 

or fewer walls, 

for example,

loafing shed 

a. During winter    

b. During summer    

c. For lambing    

99. During 2023, which of the following best describes the surface moisture of the ground or flooring that 

sheep stood on most of the time during the listed seasons? Check one only for each row. 

Usually dry 

Wet, but 

less than 

half the 

time 

Wet about 

half the time 

Wet more than 

half the time, 

but no 

standing 

water 

Usually 

standing 

water or 

slurry 

a. Winter/Spring     

b. Summer/Fall     

100. During 2023, did this operation share any equipment with other livestock owners (for example, 

tractors, feeding equipment, manure spreaders, trailers, clippers, hoof trimmers, dehorners)? 

.......................................................................................................  Yes  No 

[If question 100= No, skip to Section G (question 102).] 

101. Was shared equipment cleaned prior to use on your operation? ....................  Yes  No 

a. If Yes, which of the following best describes this operation’s cleaning procedures? Select one. 

 Wash equipment with water (with or without soap) or steam only 

 Chemically disinfect only 

 Wash and chemically disinfect equipment 

 Other (specify: ________________________) 

Section G – Sheep Health Management 

102. How familiar are you with ovine progressive pneumonia (OPP)? Select one. 

 Very familiar  Somewhat familiar  Heard of name only  Never heard of it 

[If question 102 = ‘Heard of name only’ or ‘Never heard of it’, skip to question 107.] 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

103. Do you have a current flock health management program specifically to control or prevent OPP in 

your flock? .......................................................................................................  Yes 

[If question 103 = No, skip to question 107.] 

104. During 2023, how many sheep and lambs on your operation were tested for OPP? 

[If question 104 = 0, skip to question 106.] 

105. Of those tested sheep, how many were seropositive for OPP? ............................ 

106. Were any of the following methods used to control or prevent OPP in your flock? 

Check all that apply. 

 No 

___________ # 

If none enter 0. 

___________ # 

If none enter 0. 

 a. Remove all seropositive sheep and lambs from flock (sold and/or isolated in separate facilities) 

 b. Keep flock isolated from infected sheep or goats 

 c. Add only seronegative sheep to the flock 

 d. Add only sheep from OPP-seronegative flocks 

 e. Maintain a closed flock (no new additions) 

 f. Test goats for CAE (caprine arthritis encephalitis) 

 g. Other methods (specify: _________________________) 

107. Which of the following best describes the current OPP status of your flock? Select one. 

 Currently infected with OPP 

 Previously infected with OPP but now negative 

 Suspect OPP in the flock, but not confirmed 

 Never suspected OPP in the flock 

 Do not know current OPP status 

108. During 2023, how many sheep and lambs in your flock had sore mouth? If none enter 0. ________# 

 Don’t know 

[If question 108= 0 or ‘Don’t know’, skip to question 111.] 

109. How many of those Q108 sheep and lambs with sore mouth died?.............. ...... ___________ # 

110. During 2023, how often did you use the following practices when handling sheep with scabs around 

the mouth, feet, or udder? 

Always Sometimes Never 

a. Wore gloves when handling sheep with scabs   

b. Washed hands with soap and water after touching sheep with scabs   
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

c. Covered your cuts and scrapes when handling sheep with scabs   

d. Obtained veterinary consultation when sheep had scabs   

111. During 2023, did any sheep on your operation have abscesses, boils, or lumps typically on the head, 

neck, shoulder, or upper rear legs?...................................................................  Yes  No 

[If question 111=No, skip to question 117.] 

112. During 2023, how many sheep had any abscesses, boils, or lumps? _____# OR  Don’t know 

113. Were any of the following actions taken for sheep with abscesses, boils, or lumps? Check all that apply. 

 a. Call the veterinarian 

 b. Cull the sheep to market or slaughter 

 c. Isolate the sheep 

 d. Drain or lance the lumps 

 e. Lab tests for CL/abscesses (culture, SHI test) 

 f. Treat with antibiotics 

 g. Inject a substance into the abscess/lump 

 h. Test sheep for CL titers (blood test) 

 i. Other (specify: __________________) 

 i. No actions taken 

[If question 113c= not checked (did not isolate due to abscesses), skip to question 115.] 

114. For sheep that were isolated due to abscesses, boils, or lumps, how many days, on average, were 

they isolated? ............................................................................................ ___________ days 

________days 

[If question 113d= not checked (did not drain of lance lumps), skip to question 116.] 

115. For abscesses that were drained or lanced, was the drainage disposed of away from the sheep 

raising areas? ...................................................................................................  Yes  No 

[If question 113h= not checked (did not test sheep for CL titers), skip to question 117.] 

116. For the sheep that were tested for CL titers, when were they tested? Check all that apply. 

 As replacements only, prior to bringing them onto the operation 

 Annually 

 After leaving and returning to the operation 

 Other (specify:__________________) 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

117. During 2023, did you have any mature sheep (rams or ewes) with progressive weight loss that did 

not respond with increased nutrition? ...............................................................  Yes  No 

118. Do you currently have any flock health management or certification program(s) specifically to control 

or prevent Johne’s disease in your flock? .........................................................  Yes  No 

119. Which of the following measures do you practice to specifically prevent Johne’s disease in your 

flock? 

 a. Test any sheep Johne’s disease 

 b. Test any goats or cows for Johne’s disease 

 c. Obtain newly acquired breeding ewes and rams from known Johne’s-negative flocks 

 d. Use known, reputable source(s) of sheep (not sale barn) 

 e. Prohibit contact with sheep from other operations 

 f. Do not expose lambs to feces of infected or unknown status ewes 

 g. Conduct definitive tests for Johne’s disease at necropsy 

 h. Other measures (specify: ____________________________) 

 i. No measures practiced specifically to prevent Johne’s disease 

[If Question 119a = not checked (do not test sheep for Johne’s disease), skip to question 122.] 

120. For any sheep that were tested for Johne’s disease, what type of test(s) were used? 

Check all that apply. 

 Blood 

 Fecal 

 Other (specify: _______________________) 

121. For any sheep that tested positive for Johne’s disease, which of the following actions were taken? 

Check all that apply. 

 Quarantine  No action taken 

 Cull  N/A (no positive sheep) 

 Other (specify:______________) 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

122. In general, do weaned lambs less than 12 months of age share common feed OR water sources 

with adult sheep?  Yes  No  No weaned lambs 

123. Do you ever place thin ewes with younger sheep to encourage or increase the ewes’ feed intake or 

to improve the ewes’ nutrition?  Yes  No 

124. During 2023, did any sheep or lambs on your operation receive any vaccines?  Yes  No 

[If question 124= No, skip to Section H.] 

125. During 2023, which of the following vaccines were used for each of the listed age classes? 

Preweaned 

lambs 

Weaned 

lambs 

Adult 

ewes 

Adult 

rams 

Which of the following age groups received vaccines in 2023? 

[If a group did not receive a vaccine, SKIP to the next one.]    

a. CLOSTRIDIAL vaccines?  Yes 

 No 

 Yes 

 No 

 Yes 

 No 

 Yes 

 No 

If yes, check all clostridium vaccines administered: 

i. Clostridium type C and D for enterotoxemia (overeating disease, 

bloody scours, pulpy kidney disease)    

ii. Tetanus (Cl. tetani)    

iii. 7 or 8 way vaccine (Blackleg, malignant edema, C. chauvoei 

and/or C. septicum) and/or C. novyi and/or C. Sordellii and C/D/T    

b. RESPIRATORY vaccines?  Yes 

 No 

 Yes 

 No 

 Yes 

 No 

 Yes 

 No 

If yes, check all respiratory vaccines administered: 

i. Pneumonia (Pasteurella/Mannheimia)    

ii. BRSV (Bovine Respiratory Syncytial Virus)    

iii. Other respiratory vaccines (specify:____________________)    

c. ANTI-ABORTION vaccines?  Yes 

 No 

If yes, check all anti-abortion administered: 

i. EAE (Chlamydiophila abortus) 

ii. Leptospirosis 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

iii. Campylobacter fetus/jejuni (vibrio) 

d. OTHER vaccines  Yes 

 No 

 Yes 

 No 

 Yes 

 No 

 Yes 

 No 

If yes, check all other vaccines administered: 

i. Caseous Lymphadenitis (CL, abscesses, lumpy jaw)    

ii. Sore mouth (contagious ecthyma)    

iii. Rabies    

iv. Scour/diarrhea control (E. coli, Rotavirus)    

v. FootVax (footrot vaccine)    

vi. Other vaccines (specify:____________________)    

[If question 125a.i. and 125a.iii. (Clostridium C and D) = not used in ewes, skip to question 127.] 

126. During 2023, how frequently were adult ewes vaccinated for Clostridium C and D? Select one. 

 3 to 4 times a year  Twice a year  Annually  Less often than annually 

[If question 125d.v. (footvax vaccine)= not used, skip to section H.] 

127. During 2023, how often did you vaccinate sheep with FootVax? Select one. 

 Once a year  Twice a year  More frequently than twice a year 

128. During 2023, when did you choose to vaccinate sheep with FootVax? Check all that apply. 

 On a preventative schedule  During a footrot outbreak 

 Before an expected peak in footrot  Other (specify: __________________________) 

Section H – Parasite Control 

129. Which of the following categories best describes your knowledge or use of the FAMACHA© card/eye 

color score? Select one. 

 Had not heard of FAMACHA before this study 

 Have seen or heard about FAMACHA, but do not use 

 Have used FAMACHA some 

 Regularly use FAMACHA as management tool 

130. Which of the following categories best describes your knowledge or use of the Five Point Check©? 

Select one. 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Note: The Five Point Check© uses the FAMACHA© card and other considerations, including signs of bottle jaw, 

body condition score, presence of diarrhea/scours, and signs of nasal bots. 

 Had not heard of the Five Point Check© before this study 

 Have heard about the Five Point Check©, but do not use 

 Have used the Five Point check© some 

 Regularly use the Five Point Check© as management tool 

[If question 129 = ‘Have not heard of’ or ‘Do not use’, skip to question 132.] 

131. Do you use FAMACHA© card or the Five Point Check© for the following reasons? 

Check all that apply. 

 To identify worm-susceptible sheep or lambs to cull 

 Selectively deworm sheep or lambs (ex., only sheep with certain scores are dewormed) 

 Other (specify: ______________________________ ) 

132. During 2023, how many sheep or lambs were tested for internal parasites by any fecal test method? 

If none enter 0. ..................................................................................................... ...... ________# 

[If question 132=0, skip to question 135.] 

133. Of the Q132 sheep and lambs that were tested, how many of the following tests were performed? 

Count each test separately. For example, if you have 20 sheep and each one was tested twice by fecal flotation, 

put “40”. If none enter 0. 

a. Fecal flotation..................................................................................................... 

b. Fecal egg count (not as part of a fecal egg count reduction test) ..................... 

c. Fecal egg count reduction test Count pre- and post-deworming as one. ...................... 

d. DrenchRite® (lab test for resistance to dewormers).............................................. 

e. Other (specify: __________________________)................................................ 

[If question 133a, b, and c= 0 (no fecal floats or FEC/FECRTs), skip to question 135.] 

_________ # 

_________ # 

_________ # 

_________ # 

_________ # 

134. During 2023, who completed the majority of the fecal flotations or fecal egg counts? Select one. 

 Self or employee on the operation  Private laboratory 

 Private veterinarian  Other (specify: ______________________) 

 State/university laboratory 

135. During the previous 3 years, did you deworm any sheep with pharmaceutical/commercial 

dewormers?.......................................................................................................  Yes  No 

[If question 135=No, skip to question 139.] 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

136. During 2023, what percentage of lambs on this operation were: 

a. Not dewormed?........................................................................... _________% 

b. Dewormed once? ........................................................................ _________% 

c. Dewormed twice?........................................................................ _________% 

d. Dewormed three or more times? ................................................ _________% 

Should total to 100% 

137. During 2023, what percentage of sheep on this operation were: 

a. Not dewormed?...........................................................................v8018 _________% 

b. Dewormed once?........................................................................v8019 _________% 

c. Dewormed twice?........................................................................v8020 _________% 

d. Dewormed three or more times? ................................................v8021 _________% 

Should total to 100% 

[If question 136a and 137a both = 100% (no lambs or sheep dewormed), skip to question 139.] 

138. During 2023, did you use the following pharmaceutical products to treat for worms? Do not include 

treatment for coccidia. For help categorizing specific products into anthelmintic class use the Reference Card. 

a. Avermectins or Milbemycins (Ex., Ivomec® Cydectin® Dectomax®) Yes No  Don’t know 

b. Benzimidazoles (Ex., Panacur®/Safeguard®/Valbazen®)  Yes No  Don’t know 

c. Imidazothiazoles (Ex., Levasole®--levamisole)...................  Yes  No  Don’t know 

d. Benzenesulphonamides (Ex., Curatrem®, Ivomec Plus®) Yes  No Don’t know 

e. Tetrahydropyrimidines (Ex., Rumatel®).............................. Yes No Don’t know 

f. Other (specify: ___________________ ).......................... Yes  No Don’t know 

139. During 2023, did you use any of the following products to treat for worms? Check all that apply. 

Do not include treatment for coccidia. 

 High tannin containing concentrate hay or pellets (for example, lespedeza, birdsfoot trefoil) 

 Diatomaceous earth 

 Botanicals/herbs/cayenne pepper/garlic/apple cider vinegar 

 Copper oxide wire particles 

 Feed a biological control product such as BioWorma® or Livamol® (Duddingtonia flagrans) 

 Other (specify: ____________________ ) 

 No alternative deworming products were used 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

140. During 2023, what was the total amount of money spent on deworming products, both 

pharmaceutical and alternative/natural, administered to sheep on your operation? 

Include those administered by a veterinarian. ___________$ OR  Don’t know 

141. Of the reasons in the deworming reason list, choose the top three reasons in order of importance, 

that you use to decide which sheep to deworm, and enter the corresponding code in the table. 

Deworming reason list 

1. All sheep treated on a regular schedule as a preventative 

measure (for example, seasonally, annually) 7. Bottle jaw 

2. Worms were seen in feces 8. Nasal bots 

3. When the sheep’s hair coat or body condition are poor 9. Five Point Check© 

4. Fecal consistency (diarrhea/scours) 10. Liver flukes (Fasciola hepatica) 

5. Based on fecal tests (e.g., fecal floats, FECRT) 11. Tapeworms 

6. Based on FAMACHA card system/eye anemia score 12. Other (specify:____________________) 

Most important reason code Second most important reason code Third most important reason code 

____________ ____________ ____________ 

142. During 2023, did you do any of the following as part of your internal parasite control program? 

a. Deworm animals based on fecal egg counts or other fecal examinations  Yes  No  N/A 

b. Select for parasite-resistant sheep or cull worm-susceptible sheep  Yes  No  N/A 

c. Use a higher dose of dewormer than the labeled dose for sheep  Yes  No  N/A 

d. Give a combination of two or more dewormer drugs at once  Yes  No  N/A 

e. Give repeated doses of the same dewormer on successive days  Yes  No  N/A 

f. Rotate dewormers (switch dewormers each time you treat)  Yes  No  N/A 

g. Rotate pastures  Yes  No  N/A 

h. Graze sheep on the same pasture as other livestock or horses  Yes  No  N/A 

i. Graze sheep on land that was alternated with crop/hay production  Yes  No  N/A 

j. Limit over-grazing and leave 4-6 inches of standing grass  Yes  No  N/A 

k. Leave sheep in a dry lot after deworming for 24 to 48 hours or longer  Yes  No  N/A 

l. Change lambing season to reduce the risk of high parasite exposure  Yes  No  N/A 

m. Provide additional protein supplement to increase resistance to parasites  Yes  No  N/A 

n. Graze sheep or lambs on pastures with high tannin-containing plants  Yes  No  N/A 

o. Other (specify: ______________________)  Yes  No  N/A 

[If question 142h = No or N/A (do not graze sheep with other livestock), skip to question 144.] 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

143. For sheep that were grazed on the same pasture as other livestock or horses, 

a. Were they grazed on the pasture at the same time? ...................................  Yes  No 

b. Were the different species grazed in succession?........................................  Yes  No 

144. What is the primary way this operation determines whether or not the dewormer program is working? 

Select one. 

 Achieve expected performance (for example, target weights, fat percentage, wool quality) 

 Appearance of sheep 

 Fecal consistency (no diarrhea/scours) 

 Improved FAMACHA or Five Point Check Score/ or eye score 

 Laboratory testing 

 Don’t have a deworming program or don’t think about if the deworming program is working 

 Other (specify: ___________________ ) 

145. During 2023, have you observed any of the following parasites in or on your sheep and did you treat 

for them? 

Parasite Did not observe 

Observed but did 

not treat 

Observed and 

treated 

a. Lice   

b. Mites   

c. Ticks   

d. Nasal bots   

e. Keds   

f. Blowfly larvae (maggots)   

g. Tapeworms   

Section I – Lameness 

146. During 2023, how many lambs or sheep had any signs of lameness? If none enter 0. 

a. Lambs ....................................................................................................................... 

b. Ewes ....................................................................................................................... 

c. Rams ....................................................................................................................... 

d. Total Should equal sum of a-c ....................................................................................... 

[If question 146d = 0 (no lame sheep or lambs), skip to question 159.] 

_________ # 

_________ # 

_________ # 

_________ # 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[If question 146a = 0 (no lame lambs), skip to question 148.] 

147. Of the Q146a lame lambs, what number were thought to be lame from the following causes, and if 

there were any lame animals was it diagnosed by a veterinarian? 

Cause Number of lambs Diagnosed by a veterinarian 

a. Foot scald  Yes  No 

b. Footrot  Yes  No 

c. Contagious ovine digital dermatitis  Yes  No 

d. Foot abscess  Yes  No 

e. Shelly hoof/ white line disease  Yes  No 

f. Granuloma  Yes  No 

g. Injuries  Yes  No 

h. Septic arthritis  Yes  No 

i. Swollen joints/ joint ill  Yes  No 

j. Other (specify:_________________)  Yes  No 

[If question 146b = 0 (no lame ewes), skip to question 149.] 

148. Of the Q146b lame ewes, what number were thought to be lame from the following causes, and if 

there were any lame animals was it diagnosed by a veterinarian ? 

Cause Number of ewes Diagnosed by a veterinarian 

a. Foot scald  Yes  No 

b. Footrot  Yes  No 

c. Contagious ovine digital dermatitis  Yes  No 

d. Foot abscess  Yes  No 

e. Shelly hoof/ white line disease  Yes  No 

f. Granuloma  Yes  No 

g. Injuries  Yes  No 

h. Septic arthritis  Yes  No 

i. Swollen joints/ joint ill  Yes  No 

j. Other (specify:_________________)  Yes  No 

[If question 146c = 0 (no lame rams), skip to question 150.] 

149. Of the Q146c lame rams, what number were thought to be lame from the following causes, and if 

there were any lame animals was it diagnosed by a veterinarian? 

Cause Number of ewes Diagnosed by a veterinarian 

a. Foot scald  Yes  No 

b. Footrot  Yes  No 

c. Contagious ovine digital dermatitis  Yes  No 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

d. Foot abscess  Yes  No 

e. Shelly hoof/ white line disease  Yes  No 

f. Granuloma  Yes  No 

g. Injuries  Yes  No 

h. Septic arthritis  Yes  No 

i. Swollen joints/ joint ill  Yes  No 

j. Other (specify:_________________)  Yes  No 

150. During 2023, in which of the following seasons was lameness more common? Select one. 

 Spring months (March-May)  Winter months (December-February) 

 Summer months (June-August)  No season was more common 

 Autumn months (September-November) 

151. During 2023, how frequently were sheep checked so that a lame sheep could be identified? 

Select one. 

 Weekly or more often  Less frequently than 4 times per year 

 Monthly  Never checked for lameness 

 4 times per year  Other (specify:__________________) 

[If question 151= ‘Never checked for lameness’, skip to question 155.] 

152. Who generally identified lame sheep? Select one. 

 Owner/family member  Veterinarian 

 Operation personnel  Other (specify:____________________) 

153. When a lame sheep was identified what severity of lameness normally resulted in an examination of 

the sheep? Select one. 

 Any degree of lameness  Severe lameness, unable to bear weight 

 Mild lameness, only noticeable at a fast walk/run  Other (specify: ___________________) 

 Moderate lameness, noticeable at a walk 

154. How soon after being identified as lame were sheep usually examined and received treatment? 

Select one. 

 Within a few hours  Within a week 

 Within a day  Within a month 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Other (specify:___________________) 

155. During 2023, how many times did a veterinarian visit the operation and diagnose or treat lameness? 

a. In conjunction with a regular or routine visit, such as pregnancy checks .................... _________ # 

b. A visit to exclusively diagnose and or treat lameness .................................................. _________ # 

156. Of the Q146d lame lambs and sheep, how many were treated by the following methods? 

a. Mild foot trimming, where excess horn only was removed ......................... _______ # 

b. Extensive foot trimming, where hoof horn was cut back until bleeding ...................... _________ # 

c. An antibiotic spray (oxytetracycline) directly onto the hoof......................................... _________ # 

d. A copper treatment directly onto the hoof (Coppertox) .............................................. _________ # 

e. A wound spray/antiseptic spray (silver spray, Blue Kote, Alushield, etc.) ................. _________ # 

f. A footbath (copper sulphate, zinc sulphate, or formalin solution)............................... _________ # 

g. An injectable antibiotic (tilmicosin, gamithromycin or oxytetracycline) ....................... _________ # 

h. An antibiotic in the feed or water................................................................................. _________ # 

i. Other (specify: ______________________ ) .......................................................... _________ # 

j. No treatment given...................................................................................... _________ # 

157. During 2023, what was the average number of days a sheep was lame on your operation 

before treatment? ................................................................................................................................ ____ Days 

158. During 2023, what was the average number of days a sheep was lame on your operation 

following treatment? .......................................................................................................................... ____ Days 

159. Which of the following best describes the use of footbaths for sheep during 2023? Select one. 

 Footbath used throughout the year  No footbath used 

 Footbath used seasonally/occasionally  Other (specify: ________________) 

[If question 159 = ‘No footbath used’, skip to question 162.] 

160. Which of the following footbath medications was most commonly used in footbaths for sheep? 

Select one. 

 Copper sulfate  Hydrogen peroxide 

 Formalin/formaldehyde  Other (list active ingredient: ____________) 

 Oxytetracycline 

161. During 2023, approximately how many sheep went through a footbath before it was drained, 

cleaned, and replenished with medication? Note: a sheep can go through a footbath multiple times and 

should be counted each time. ............................................................................................ _______ # 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

162. During 2023, which best describes how frequently the majority of sheep had their hooves trimmed? 

Select one. 

 Three or more times per year  When in visible need of a trim 

 Twice per year  Other (specify:________________________) 

 Once per year  Hooves not trimmed during 2023 

 Only when lame 

[If question 162 = ‘Hooves not trimmed’, skip to question 165.] 

163. During 2023,who trimmed the majority of hooves? Select one. 

 Professional hoof trimmer (not this operation’s personnel) 

 Veterinarian (not this operation’s personnel) 

 Owner or this operation’s personnel 

 Other (specify: __________________________) 

164. In 2023, during a regular trimming session, what was the percentage of the flock that had hooves 

trimmed? _______% 

165. During 2023, did your operation use any of the management practices specifically to prevent or 

reduce lameness? Check all that apply. 

 a. Reduce stocking densities 

 b. Rotational grazing 

 c. Isolation of new arrival 

 d. Checking the feet of new arrivals prior to adding to the flock 

 e. Implementing footbaths to prevent disease and/or to reduce spread 

 f. Increase the frequency of hoof trimming 

 g. Cull lame sheep 

 h. Other (specify:_________________) 

 i. No management practices have been implemented 

Section J – Antimicrobial Use in Feed and Water 

166. During the period from January 1, 2023, through December 31, 2023, did this operation use a 

coccidiostat in the feed (including milk, milk replacer or starter) or water? 

a. Feed .......................................................................................................  Yes  No 

b. Water .......................................................................................................  Yes  No 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[If question 166a = No, skip to question 169.] 

167. Which of the following coccidiostats were used in feed (including milk, milk replacer, or starter)? 

Check all that apply. 

 a. Ionophores (Rumensin®, Bovatec®)  d. Sulfa drugs (Albon®, Sulmet®, or similar) 

 b. Decoquinate (Deccox®)  e. Other (specify:______________________) 

 c. Amprolium (Corid®) 

[If question 167d= Not checked (no sulfa drugs used), skip to question 169.] 

168. During 2023, for sulfa drugs used in feed as a coccidiostat, what was: 

a. The number of lambs that received sulfa drugs? .......................................... 

b. The number of sheep that received sulfa drugs?.......................................... 

c. The average number of total days lambs received sulfa drugs? ................. 

d. The average number of total days sheep received sulfa drugs? ................. 

[If question 166b= No, skip to question 171.] 

___________# 

___________# 

___________days 

___________days 

169. Which of the following coccidiostats were used in drinking water? Check all that apply. 

 a. Amprolium (Corid®) 

 b. Sulfa drugs (Albon®, Sulmet®, or similar) 

 c. Other (specify:_________________________) 

[If question 169b= not checked (no sulfa drugs used), skip to question 171.] 

170. During 2023, for sulfa drugs used in drinking water as a coccidiostat what was: 

a. The number of lambs that received sulfa drugs? .......................................... ___________# 

b. The number of sheep that received sulfa drugs?.......................................... ___________# 

c. The average number of total days that lambs received sulfa drugs?............ ___________days 

d. The average number of total days that sheep received sulfa drugs? ........... ___________days 

171. During 2023, did this operation use ionophores as growth promotants in feed?  Yes  No 

172. From January 1, 2023, through December 31, 2023, were any sheep or lambs given any antibiotics 

(other than ionophores) in drinking water or feed (including milk, milk replacer, or starter) to 

prevent, control or treat a disease or disorder? 

Antibiotics given in the drinking water? Antibiotics given in the feed? 

a. Lambs  Yes  No  Yes  No 

b. Sheep  Yes  No  Yes  No 

[If question 172a-b drinking water and feed = No (no antibiotics used), skip to Section K.] 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[If question 172a drinking water = No (no antibiotics to lambs in water), skip to question 176.] 

173. For lambs given antibiotics in drinking water, mark the reason(s) for administration. 

a. Respiratory disease ......................................................................................  Yes  No 

b. Digestive disease (nonparasitic)......................................................  Yes  No 

c. Other (specify:________________)...................................................  Yes  No 

174. For lambs treated with antibiotics in drinking water, which antibiotic was primarily used to treat the 

listed diseases? Note: Use Antibiotic reference card to identify antibiotic class if needed. 

Disease Select Antibiotic Class 

Respiratory disease [Skip row if 173a = No]  Sulfonamides  Tetracyclines  Other (specify:________) 

Digestive disease (nonparasitic) 

[Skip row if 173b = No] 

 Sulfonamides  Tetracyclines  Other (specify:_______) 

Other [Skip row if 173c = No]  Sulfonamides  Tetracyclines  Other (specify:_______) 

175. For lambs given antibiotics in drinking water, during 2023, for each disease, what was the: 

Disease 

Average number of 

times lambs were 

treated? 

Average 

number of 

lambs treated? 

Average 

number of days 

per treatment? 

Respiratory disease [Skip row if 173a = No] ______# treatments ______# lambs ______days 

Digestive disease (nonparasitic) [Skip row if 173b = No] ______# treatments ______# lambs ______days 

Other [Skip row if 173c = No] ______# treatments ______# lambs ______days 

[If question 172a feed = No (no antibiotics to lambs in feed), skip to question 179.] 

176. For lambs given antibiotics in feed, mark the reason(s) for administration. 

a. Respiratory disease ......................................................................................  Yes  No 

b. Digestive disease (nonparasitic) .....................................................  Yes  No 

c. Other (specify:_______________________) .......................................  Yes  No 

177. For lambs treated with antibiotics in feed, which antibiotic was primarily used to treat the listed 

diseases? Note: Use Antibiotic reference card to identify antibiotic class if needed. 

Disease Select Antibiotic Class 

Respiratory disease [Skip row if 176a = No]  Aminoglycosides  Tetracyclines  Other (specify:______) 

Digestive disease (nonparasitic) 

[Skip row if 176b = No] 

 Aminoglycosides  Tetracyclines  Other (specify:______) 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other [Skip row if 176c = No]  Aminoglycosides  Tetracyclines  Other (specify:______) 

178. For lambs given antibiotics in feed, during 2023, for each disease, what was the: 

Disease 

Average number of 

times lambs were 

treated? 

Average 

number of 

lambs treated? 

Average 

number of days 

per treatment? 

Respiratory disease [Skip row if 176a = No] ______# treatments ______# lambs ______days 

Digestive disease (nonparasitic) [Skip row if 176b = No] ______# treatments ______# lambs ______days 

Other [Skip row if 176c = No] ______# treatments ______# lambs ______days 

[If question 172b drinking water = No (no antibiotics to adults in water), skip to question 182.] 

179. For adults given antibiotics in drinking water, mark the reason(s) for administration. 

a. Respiratory disease.......................................................................................  Yes  No 

b. Digestive disease (nonparasitic)......................................................  Yes  No 

c. Abortion .....................................................................................  Yes  No 

d. Other (specify:________________)...................................................  Yes  No 

180. For adults treated with antibiotics in drinking water, which antibiotic was primarily used to treat the 

listed diseases? 

Disease Select Antibiotic 

Respiratory disease [Skip row if 179a = No]  Sulfonamides  Tetracyclines  Other (specify:________) 

Digestive disease (nonparasitic) 

[Skip row if 179b = No] 

 Sulfonamides  Tetracyclines  Other (specify:_______) 

Abortion [Skip row if 179c = No]  Sulfonamides  Tetracyclines  Other (specify:_______) 

Other [Skip row if 179d = No]  Sulfonamides  Tetracyclines  Other (specify:_______) 

181. For adults given antibiotics in drinking water, during 2023, for each disease, what was the: 

Disease 

Average number of 

times adults were 

treated? 

Average number 

of adults treated? 

Average number of 

days per treatment? 

Respiratory disease 

[Skip row if 179a = No] 

______# treatments ______# adults ______days 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Digestive disease (nonparasitic) 

[Skip row if 179b = No] 

______# treatments ______# adults ______days 

Abortion [Skip row if 179c = No] ______# treatments ______# adults ______days 

Other [Skip row if 179d = No] ______# treatments ______# adults ______days 

[If question 172b feed = No (no antibiotics to adults in feed), SKIP to Section K.] 

182. For adults given antibiotics in feed, mark the reason(s) for administration. 

a. Respiratory disease ......................................................................................  Yes  No 

b. Digestive disease (nonparasitic) ....................................................  Yes  No 

c. Abortion .....................................................................................  Yes  No 

d. Other (specify:________________) ..................................................  Yes  No 

183. For adults treated with antibiotics in feed, which antibiotic was primarily used to treat the listed 

diseases? 

Disease Select Antibiotic 

Respiratory disease 

[Skip row if 182a = No] 

 Aminoglycosides  Tetracyclines  Other (specify:___________) 

Digestive disease (nonparasitic) 

[Skip row if 182b = No] 

 Aminoglycosides  Tetracyclines  Other (specify:___________) 

Abortion [Skip row if 182c = No]  Aminoglycosides  Tetracyclines  Other (specify:___________) 

Other [Skip row if 182d=No]  Aminoglycosides  Tetracyclines  Other (specify:___________) 

184. For adults given antibiotics in feed, during 2023, for each disease, what was the: 

Disease 

Average number of 

times adults were 

treated? 

Average 

number of 

adults treated? 

Average 

number of days 

per treatment? 

Respiratory disease [Skip row if 182a = No] ______# treatments ______# adults ______days 

Digestive disease (nonparasitic) [Skip row if 182b= No] ______# treatments ______# adults ______days 

Abortion [Skip row if 182c = No] ______# treatments ______# adults ______days 

Other [Skip row if 182d = No] ______# treatments ______# adults ______days 

Section K – Health Conditions and Losses 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This section covers losses and illness in your sheep during 2023. The section is broken down by age 

class and covers preweaned lambs, weaned lambs, ewes, and rams. You will be asked to report the 

number of sick animals, the number treated, the primary antibiotic used, and the number that died or were 

culled by condition. When asked about antibiotics administered, do not include antibiotics administered in 

the feed or drinking water. Please report topical antibiotics, antibiotics given by injection, oral bolus, or 

drench, eye ointments and intramammary antibiotics if used by class. Only answer for treatment uses. 

PREWEANED LAMBS [If no preweaned lambs present during 2023, skip to question 198.] 

185. During 2023, how many different preweaned lambs became sick, or were affected by weather 

related, starvation causes, or unknown conditions?.......................................................... ________ # 

Unknown (such as lambs were on range or pasture with no contact) 

[If question 185 = 0 or unknown, skip to question 196] 

186. Of the Q185 preweaned lambs that became sick, how many different lambs received an antibiotic 

to treat a condition? ........................................................................................................... ________ # 

187. Of the Q185 sick preweaned lambs, how many had digestive issues such as diarrhea/scours, 

overeating/enterotoxemia, coccidia, or other digestive issues?........................................ _________ # 

a. How many of these preweaned lambs received antibiotics to treat the condition? .... _________ # 

b. What was the primary antibiotic used? .......................................... _________________________ 

c. How many of these preweaned lambs died or were euthanized due to the condition? _____________# 

d. How many preweaned lambs were removed primarily due to the condition? ............ _________ # 

188. Of the Q185 sick preweaned lambs, how many had a navel infection? ..................... _________ # 

a. How many of these preweaned lambs received antibiotics to treat the condition? .... _________ # 

b. What was the primary antibiotic used? .......................................... _________________________ 

c. How many of these preweaned lambs died or were euthanized due to the condition? ________ # 

d. How many preweaned lambs were removed primarily due to the condition? ............ _________ # 

189. Of the Q185 sick preweaned lambs, how many had lambing problems or other perinatal 

conditions, such as floppy lamb syndrome, weak lamb, or similar?................................ _________ # 

a. How many of these preweaned lambs received antibiotics to treat the condition? .... _________ # 

b. What was the primary antibiotic used? .......................................... _________________________ 

c. How many of these preweaned lambs died or were euthanized due to the condition? _____________# 

d. How many preweaned lambs were removed primarily due to the condition? ............ _________ # 

190. Of the Q185 sick preweaned lambs, how many had pink eye, or other eye issues? ______________# 

a. How many of these preweaned lambs received antibiotics to treat the condition? .... _________ # 

b. What was the primary antibiotic used? .......................................... _________________________ 

c. How many of these preweaned lambs died or were euthanized due to the condition? ________ # 

d. How many preweaned lambs were removed from primarily due to the condition? .... _________ # 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

191. Of the Q185 sick preweaned lambs, how many had respiratory problems, such as pneumonia, 

shipping fever, or runny nose or cough? ........................................................................... _________ # 

a. How many of these preweaned lambs received antibiotics to treat the condition? .... _________ # 

b. What was the primary antibiotic used? .......................................... _________________________ 

c. How many of these preweaned lambs died or were euthanized due to the condition? ________ # 

d. How many preweaned lambs were removed primarily due to the condition?.................. _________ # 

192. Of the Q185 sick preweaned lambs, how many had lameness, including lameness caused by joint 

swelling, wounds, or trauma?............................................................................................ _________ # 

a. How many of these preweaned lambs received antibiotics to treat the condition? .... _________ # 

b. What was the primary antibiotic used? .......................................... _________________________ 

c. How many of these preweaned lambs died or were euthanized due to the condition? ________ # 

d. How many preweaned lambs were removed primarily due to the condition? ............ _________ # 

193. Of the Q185 sick preweaned lambs, how many had were affected by weather-related or 

starvation conditions, including chilling, drowning, and lightning?................................. _________ # 

a. How many of these preweaned lambs received antibiotics to treat the condition? .... _________ # 

b. What was the primary antibiotic used? .......................................... _________________________ 

c. How many of these preweaned lambs died or were euthanized due to the condition? ________ # 

d. How many preweaned lambs were removed primarily due to the condition? ............ _________ # 

194. Of the Q185 sick preweaned lambs, how many became ill from another known condition? ___ # 

a. Please specify the other known condition(s) not listed?................ _________________________ 

b. How many of these preweaned lambs received antibiotics to treat the condition? .... _________ # 

c. What was the primary antibiotic used? .......................................... _________________________ 

d. How many of these preweaned lambs died or were euthanized due to the condition? _____________# 

e. How many preweaned lambs were removed primarily due to the condition?.................. _________ # 

195. Of the Q185 sick preweaned lambs, how many became ill from an unknown condition or were 

found dead?....................................................................................................................... _________ # 

a. How many of these preweaned lambs received antibiotics to treat the condition? .... _________ # 

b. What was the primary antibiotic used? .......................................... _________________________ 

c. How many of these preweaned lambs died or were euthanized due to the condition? ________ # 

d. How many preweaned lambs were removed primarily due to the condition? ............ _________ # 

196. From January 1, 2023, through December 31, 2023, how many preweaned lambs: 

a. Were lost or stolen? .................................................................................................... _________ # 

b. Died or were euthanized from predators?................................................................... _________ # 

c. Died or were euthanized from nonpredator causes?.................................................. _________ # 

d. Overall, the total number of preweaned lambs lost/stolen, died, euthanized was?.... _________ # 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

197. Write any additional comments about preweaned lamb illness conditions here: 

WEANED LAMBS [If no weaned lambs present, skip to question 212.] 

198. During 2023, how many different weaned lambs became sick, or were affected by weather related, 

starvation causes, or unknown conditions? ...................................................................... _________ # 

1 Unknown (such as lambs were on range or pasture with no contact) 

[If Question 198=0 or unknown, skip to question 210.] 

199. Of the Q198 weaned lambs that became sick , how many different lambs received an antibiotic to 

treat a condition?......................................................................................................... _________ # 

200. Of the Q198 sick weaned lambs, how many had intestinal worms?........................... _________ # 

a. How many of these weaned lambs died or were euthanized due to the condition?... _________ # 

b. How many weaned lambs were removed primarily due to the condition?......................... _________ # 

201. Of the Q198 sick weaned lambs, how many had digestive issues not related to intestinal 

worms such as scours, overeating/enterotoxemia, coccidia, or other digestive issues?. _________ # 

a. How many of these weaned lambs received antibiotics to treat the condition? ......... _________ # 

b. What was the primary antibiotic used? .......................................... _________________________ 

c. How many of these weaned lambs died or were euthanized due to the condition?... _________ # 

d. How many weaned lambs were removed primarily due to the condition?.................. _________ # 

202. Of the Q198 sick weaned lambs, how many had pinkeye, conjunctivitis, other eye issues? _____ # 

a. How many of these weaned lambs received antibiotics to treat the condition? ......... _________ # 

b. What was the primary antibiotic used? .......................................... _________________________ 

c. How many of these weaned lambs died or were euthanized due to the condition?... v ________ # 

d. How many weaned lambs were removed primarily due to the condition?.................. _________ # 

203. Of the Q198 sick weaned lambs, how many had respiratory problems, such as pneumonia, 

shipping fever, or runny nose or cough? ........................................................................... _________ # 

a. How many of these weaned lambs received antibiotics to treat the condition? ......... _________ # 

b. What was the primary antibiotic used? .......................................... _________________________ 

c. How many of these weaned lambs died or were euthanized due to the condition? .... _________ # 

d. How many weaned lambs were removed primarily due to the condition?.................. _________ # 

204. Of the Q198 sick weaned lambs how many had lameness caused by footrot/scald?_________ # 

a. How many of these weaned lambs received antibiotics to treat the condition? ......... _________ # 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

b. What was the primary antibiotic used? .......................................... _________________________ 

c. How many of these weaned lambs died or were euthanized due to the condition? .... _________ # 

d. How many weaned lambs were removed primarily due to the condition?.................. _________ # 

205. Of the Q198 sick weaned lambs, how many had lameness due to other causes, such as joint 

swelling, wounds, or trauma?............................................................................................ _________ # 

a. How many of these weaned lambs received antibiotics to treat the condition? ......... _________ # 

b. What was the primary antibiotic used? .......................................... _________________________ 

c. How many of these weaned lambs died or were euthanized due to the condition?... _________ # 

d. How many weaned lambs were removed primarily due to the condition?.................. _________ # 

206. Of the Q198 sick weaned lambs, how many had central nervous system signs, such as 

staggering, swaying, falling down, circling, or blindness?................................................. _________ # 

a. How many of these weaned lambs received antibiotics to treat the condition? ......... _________ # 

b. What was the primary antibiotic used? .......................................... _________________________ 

c. How many of these weaned lambs died or were euthanized due to the condition?... _________ # 

d. How many weaned lambs were removed primarily due to the condition?.................. _________ # 

207. Of the Q198 sick weaned lambs, how many were affected by weather-related causes or 

poisoning/toxicity causes, such as chilling, drowning, lightning, noxious weeds?........ _________ # 

a. How many of these weaned lambs received antibiotics to treat the condition? ......... _________ # 

b. What was the primary antibiotic used? .......................................... _________________________ 

c. How many of these weaned lambs died or were euthanized due to the condition? .... _________ # 

d. How many weaned lambs were removed primarily due to the condition?.................. _________ # 

208. Of the Q198 sick weaned lambs, how many became ill from another known condition? ___ # 

a. Please specify the other known condition(s) not listed?................ _________________________ 

b. How many of these weaned lambs received antibiotics to treat the condition? ......... _________ # 

c. What was the primary antibiotic used? .......................................... _________________________ 

d. How many of these weaned lambs died or were euthanized due to the condition?... _________ # 

e. How many weaned lambs were removed primarily due to the condition?.................. _________ # 

209. Of the Q198 sick weaned lambs, how many became ill from an unknown condition or were found 

dead? ....................................................................................................................... _________ # 

a. How many of these weaned lambs received antibiotics to treat the condition? ......... _________ # 

b. What was the primary antibiotic used? .......................................... _________________________ 

c. How many of these weaned lambs died or were euthanized due to the condition?... _________ # 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

d. How many weaned lambs were removed primarily due to the condition?.................. _________ # 

210. From January 1, 2023, through December 31, 2023, how many weaned lambs: 

a. Were lost or stolen? .................................................................................................... _________ # 

b. Died or were euthanized from predators?................................................................... _________ # 

c. Died or were euthanized from nonpredator causes?.................................................. _________ # 

d. Overall, the total number of weaned lambs lost/stolen, died, euthanized was?......... _________ # 

211. Write any additional comments about weaned lamb illness conditions here: 

EWES [If no ewes present, skip to question 231.] 

212. How many different ewes became sick, or were affected by weather related, starvation causes, or 

unknown conditions? ........................................................................................................ _________ # 

 Unknown (such as ewes were on range or pasture with no contact) 

[If question 212 = 0 or unknown, skip to question 229.] 

213. Of the Q212 ewes that became sick , how many different ewes received an antibiotic to treat a 

condition?.................................................................................................................... _________ # 

214. Of the Q212 sick ewes, how many had intestinal worms?........................................... _________ # 

a. How many of these ewes died or were euthanized due to the condition?.................. _________ # 

b. How many ewes were removed from the operation primarily due to the condition? .. _________ # 

215. Of the Q212 sick ewes, how many had digestive issues not related to intestinal worms such as 

scours, overeating/enterotoxemia, coccidia, or other digestive issues? ........................... _________ # 

a. How many of these ewes received antibiotics to treat the condition? ........................ _________ # 

b. What was the primary antibiotic used? .......................................... _________________________ 

c. How many of these ewes died or were euthanized due to the condition?.................. _________ # 

d. How many ewes were removed primarily due to the condition?................................. _________ # 

216. Of the Q212 sick ewes, how many had pinkeye, conjunctivitis, or other eye issues? .. _________ # 

a. How many of these ewes received antibiotics to treat the condition? ........................ _________ # 

b. What was the primary antibiotic used? .......................................... _________________________ 

c. How many of these ewes died or were euthanized due to the condition?.................. _________ # 

d. How many ewes were removed primarily due to the condition?................................. _________ # 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

217. Of the Q212 sick ewes, how many had respiratory problems, such as pneumonia, shipping fever, 

cough or runny nose?........................................................................................................ _________ # 

a. How many of these ewes received antibiotics to treat the condition? ........................ _________ # 

b. What was the primary antibiotic used? .......................................... _________________________ 

c. How many of these ewes died or were euthanized due to the condition?.................. _________ # 

d. How many ewes were removed primarily due to the condition?................................. _________ # 

218. Of the Q212 sick ewes, how many had abortions?....................................................... _________ # 

a. How many of these ewes received antibiotics to treat the condition? ........................ _________ # 

b. What was the primary antibiotic used? .......................................... _________________________ 

c. How many of these ewes died or were euthanized due to the condition?.................. _________ # 

d. How many ewes were removed primarily due to the condition?................................. _________ # 

219. Of the Q212 sick ewes how many had other reproductive problems, such as retained 

placenta/uterine infection, dystocia? ................................................................................. _________ # 

a. How many of these ewes received antibiotics to treat the condition? ........................ _________ # 

b. What was the primary antibiotic used? .......................................... _________________________ 

c. How many of these ewes died or were euthanized due to the condition?.................. _________ # 

d. How many ewes were removed primarily due to the condition?................................. _________ # 

220. Of the Q212 sick ewes how many had mastitis? .......................................................... _________ # 

a. How many of these ewes received antibiotics to treat the condition? ........................ _________ # 

b. What was the primary antibiotic used? .......................................... _________________________ 

c. How many of these ewes died or were euthanized due to the condition?.................. _________ # 

d. How many ewes were removed primarily due to the condition?................................. _________ # 

221. Of the Q212 sick ewes, how many had metabolic problems, such as milk fever or pregnancy 

toxemia? ....................................................................................................................... _________ # 

a. How many of these ewes received antibiotics to treat the condition? ........................ _________ # 

b. What was the primary antibiotic used? .......................................... _________________________ 

c. How many of these ewes died or were euthanized due to the condition?.................. _________ # 

d. How many ewes were removed primarily due to the condition?................................. _________ # 

222. Of the Q212 sick ewes, how many had lameness caused by footrot/scald?............. _________ # 

a. How many of these ewes received antibiotics to treat the condition? ........................ _________ # 

b. What was the primary antibiotic used? .......................................... _________________________ 

c. How many of these ewes died or were euthanized due to the condition?.................. _________ # 

d. How many ewes were removed primarily due to the condition?................................. _________ # 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

223. Of the Q212 sick ewes, how many had lameness due to other causes, such as joint swelling, 

wounds, or trauma?........................................................................................................... _________ # 

a. How many of these ewes received antibiotics to treat the condition? ........................ _________ # 

b. What was the primary antibiotic used? .......................................... _________________________ 

c. How many of these ewes died or were euthanized due to the condition?.................. _________ # 

d. How many ewes were removed primarily due to the condition?................................. _________ # 

224. Of the Q212 sick ewes, how many had central nervous system signs, such as staggering, 

swaying, falling down, circling, or blindness?.................................................................... _________ # 

a. How many of these ewes received antibiotics to treat the condition? ........................ _________ # 

b. What was the primary antibiotic used? .......................................... _________________________ 

c. How many of these ewes died or were euthanized due to the condition?.................. _________ # 

d. How many ewes were removed primarily due to the condition?................................. _________ # 

225. Of the Q212 sick ewes how many were affected by weather-related causes or poisoning/toxicity 

causes, such as chilling, drowning, lightning, noxious weeds?......................................... _________ # 

a. How many of these ewes received antibiotics to treat the condition? ........................ _________ # 

b. What was the primary antibiotic used? .......................................... _________________________ 

c. How many of these ewes died or were euthanized due to the condition? _______ # 

d. How many ewes were removed primarily due to the condition?................................. _________ # 

226. Of the Q212 sick ewes, how many had chronic weight loss? ..................................... _________ # 

a. How many of these ewes received antibiotics to treat the condition? ........................ _________ # 

b. What was the primary antibiotic used? .......................................... _________________________ 

c. How many of these ewes died or were euthanized due to the condition?.................. _________ # 

d. How many ewes were removed primarily due to the condition?................................. _________ # 

227. Of the Q212 sick ewes how many became ill from another known condition?........... _________ # 

a. Please specify the other known condition(s) not listed?................ _________________________ 

b. How many of these ewes received antibiotics to treat the condition? ........................ _________ # 

c. What was the primary antibiotic used? .......................................... _________________________ 

d. How many of these ewes died or were euthanized due to the condition?.................. _________ # 

e. How many ewes were removed primarily due to the condition?................................. _________ # 

228. Of the Q212 sick ewes, how many became ill from an unknown condition/were found dead? ___ # 

a. How many of these ewes received antibiotics to treat the condition? ........................ _________ # 

b. What was the primary antibiotic used? .......................................... _________________________ 

c. How many of these ewes died or were euthanized due to the condition?.................. _________ # 

d. How many ewes were removed primarily due to the condition?................................. _________ # 

229. From January 1, 2023, through December 31, 2023, how many ewes: 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

a. Were lost or stolen? .................................................................................................... _________ # 

b. Died or were euthanized from predators?................................................................... _________ # 

c. Died or were euthanized from nonpredator causes?.................................................. _________ # 

d. Overall, the total number of ewes lost/stolen, died, euthanized was?.................................. _________ # 

230. Write any additional comments about ewe illness conditions here: 

RAMS [If no rams present, skip to question 247.] 

231. How many different rams became sick, or were affected by weather related, starvation causes, or 

unknown conditions? ........................................................................................................ _________ # 

 Unknown (such as rams were on range or pasture with no contact) 

[If question 231=0 or unknown, skip to question 245.] 

232. Of the Q231 rams that became sick, how many different rams received an antibiotic to treat a 

condition?.................................................................................................................... _________ # 

233. Of the Q231 sick rams, how many had intestinal worms?........................................... _________ # 

a. How many of these rams died or were euthanized due to the condition?.................. _________ # 

b. How many rams were removed from the operation primarily due to the condition? .. _________ # 

234. Of the Q231 sick rams, how many had digestive issues not related to intestinal worms such as 

scours, overeating/enterotoxemia, coccidia, or other digestive issues? ........................... _________ # 

a. How many of these rams received antibiotics to treat the condition?......................... _________ # 

b. What was the primary antibiotic used? .......................................... _________________________ 

c. How many of these rams died or were euthanized due to the condition?.................. _________ # 

d. How many rams were removed primarily due to the condition?................................. _________ # 

235. Of the Q231 sick rams, how many had pinkeye, conjunctivitis, or other eye issues?... _________ # 

a. How many of these rams received antibiotics to treat the condition?......................... _________ # 

b. What was the primary antibiotic used? .......................................... _________________________ 

c. How many of these rams died or were euthanized due to the condition?.................. _________ # 

d. How many rams were removed primarily due to the condition?................................. _________ # 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

236. Of the Q231 sick rams, how many had respiratory problems, such as pneumonia, shipping fever, 

or runny nose?................................................................................................................... _________ # 

a. How many of these rams received antibiotics to treat the condition?......................... _________ # 

b. What was the primary antibiotic used? .......................................... _________________________ 

c. How many of these rams died or were euthanized due to the condition?.................. _________ # 

d. How many rams were removed primarily due to the condition?................................. _________ # 

237. Of the Q231 sick rams, how many had reproductive problems, such as penile or testicular 

disorders, or urinary calculi?.............................................................................................. _________ # 

a. How many of these rams received antibiotics to treat the condition?......................... _________ # 

b. What was the primary antibiotic used? .......................................... _________________________ 

c. How many of these rams died or were euthanized due to the condition?.................. _________ # 

d. How many rams were removed primarily due to the condition?................................. _________ # 

238. Of the Q231 sick rams, how many had lameness caused by footrot/scald? ............. _________ # 

a. How many of these rams received antibiotics to treat the condition?......................... _________ # 

b. What was the primary antibiotic used? .......................................... _________________________ 

c. How many of these rams died or were euthanized due to the condition?.................. _________ # 

d. How many rams were removed primarily due to the condition?................................. _________ # 

239. Of the Q231 sick rams, how many had lameness due to other causes, such as joint swelling, 

wounds, or trauma?........................................................................................................... _________ # 

a. How many of these rams received antibiotics to treat the condition?......................... _________ # 

b. What was the primary antibiotic used? .......................................... _________________________ 

c. How many of these rams died or were euthanized due to the condition?.................. _________ # 

d. How many rams were removed primarily due to the condition?................................. _________ # 

240. Of the Q231 sick rams, how many had central nervous system signs, such as staggering, 

swaying, falling down, circling, or blindness?.................................................................... _________ # 

a. How many of these rams received antibiotics to treat the condition?......................... _________ # 

b. What was the primary antibiotic used? .......................................... _________________________ 

c. How many of these rams died or were euthanized due to the condition?.................. _________ # 

d. How many rams were removed primarily due to the condition?................................. _________ # 

241. Of the Q231 sick rams, how many were affected by weather-related causes or poisoning/toxicity 

causes, such as chilling, drowning, lightning, noxious weeds?......................................... _________ # 

a. How many of these rams received antibiotics to treat the condition?......................... _________ # 

b. What was the primary antibiotic used? .......................................... _________________________ 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

c. How many of these rams died or were euthanized due to the condition?.................. _________ # 

d. How many rams were removed primarily due to the condition?................................. _________ # 

242. Of the Q231 sick rams, how many had chronic weight loss?......................................... _________ # 

a. How many of these rams received antibiotics to treat the condition?......................... _________ # 

b. What was the primary antibiotic used? .......................................... _________________________ 

c. How many of these rams died or were euthanized due to the condition?.................. _________ # 

d. How many rams were removed primarily due to the condition?................................. _________ # 

243. Of the Q231 sick rams, how many became ill from another known condition?.......... _________ # 

a. Please specify the other known condition(s) not listed?................ _________________________ 

b. How many of these rams received antibiotics to treat the condition?......................... _________ # 

c. What was the primary antibiotic used? .......................................... _________________________ 

d. How many of these rams died or were euthanized due to the condition?.................. _________ # 

e. How many rams were removed primarily due to the condition?................................. _________ # 

244. Of the Q231 sick rams, how many became ill from an unknown condition/were found dead? ___# 

a. How many of these rams received antibiotics to treat the condition?......................... _________ # 

b. What was the primary antibiotic used?............................................................_________________________ 

c. How many of these rams died or were euthanized due to the condition?.................. _________ # 

d. How many rams were removed primarily due to the condition?................................. _________ # 

245. From January 1, 2023, through December 31, 2023, how many rams: 

a. Were lost or stolen? .................................................................................................... _________ # 

b. Died or were euthanized from predators?................................................................... _________ # 

c. Died or were euthanized from nonpredator causes?.................................................. _________ # 

d. Overall, the total number of rams lost/stolen, died, euthanized was? ........................ _________ # 

246. Write any additional comments about ram illness conditions here: 

247. Did your operation necropsy any lambs and sheep that died from nonpredator reasons to determine 

the cause of death? ...........................................................................................  Yes  No  N/A 

248. During 2023, for any deaths or euthanasia, what was your primary disposal method for sheep 

carcasses? Select one. 

 Burial on premises 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 Leaving for scavengers  Landfill or municipal dump  Composting  Rendering  Other (specify: __________________________) 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Office Use Only 

1. What was the total interview and travel time to complete this study? 

Enter time to the nearest quarter hour. If more than one data collector was present, enter the combined total 

time. 

a. Total time for interview (include time to discuss the program and complete the 

questionnaire): __________ minutes 

b. Total travel time (round trip)........................................................... __________minutes 

2. How many of the following data collector(s) were present? Enter the number of each category. 

a. Federal VMO............................................................................................... 

b. Federal AHT................................................................................................ 

c. State personnel........................................................................................... 

d. Other? (specify: _________________________) .................................................... 

3. Please select the option that best describes the survey completion status. Select one. 

 Survey completed 

 Producer not contacted by VMO 

 Poor time of year to contact or no time 

 Does not want anyone on operation 

 Bad experience with government veterinarians 

 Does not want to do another survey or divulge information 

 Told NASS they did not want to be contacted 

 Ineligible (no sheep) 

 Other reason (explain below) 

[If question 3 does not equal ‘Survey Completed’ SKIP to question 9.] 

_________ # 

_________ # 

_________ # 

_________ # 

4. Which of the following best describes the respondent’s position with this operation? Select one. 

 Owner 

 Manager 

 Family member (other than owner or manager) 

 Other hired employee 

 Other, specify( ________________________________________________) 

5. Did the respondent use written or computerized records to assist in answering this survey? 

 Yes  No  Unknown 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

___________________ 

___________________ 

___________________ 

6. How was the interview completed? Check all that apply. 

 Participant self-administered online 

 Via phone 

 In-person 

7. Please select the option that best describes the data quality provided for this questionnaire. 

 Good to excellent  Okay  Poor 

8. Does this operation plan to submit any of the following biologic samples? 

a. GI parasite testing .........................................................................................  Yes  No 

b. Lameness pathogen testing and serum/blood bank .....................................  Yes  No 

c. Enteric microbe testing ..................................................................................  Yes  No 

9. Who was involved in the contact, interview, and completion of the questionnaire for this operation? 

Write N/A if questionnaire or biologic sampling was not completed. 

a. Person who contacted the producer: ............................................................ 

b. Person who interviewed the producer and completed the questionnaire: .... 

c. Person who completed any biologic sampling:.............................................. 

10. Comments regarding this questionnaire or operation: